OT: Chicago hang out for b1g

Submitted by Mgthefrenchy on March 14th, 2019 at 8:29 PM

Easy. All in the subject.

 

Specifically bar for a drink at night.

 

OwenGoBlue

March 14th, 2019 at 9:38 PM ^

Just a bad joke on "all in the subject." I could guess that you meant you want to find a bar. 

To actually contribute: I would suggest a bar on Madison where you're a long walk or a short ride from the United Center. West End is a Michigan bar there though a few folks on here have lamented the place lately. They usually have shuttles to/from the games. 

Kaiser Tiger is a good spot nearby with shuttles as well. They have a back area with bocce that was converted to curling for the winter but I don't know the current ice status. 

I'd be joining but I'm unfortunately out of town. Hope you all enjoy. 

Jevy

March 14th, 2019 at 8:43 PM ^

Clark Street Ale House was pretty cool. They don’t serve food so they let you bring your own in. But they do have free popcorn! Lol

Lambeau Schembechler

March 14th, 2019 at 9:40 PM ^

If you are looking for places by the UC:

- West End is an official Michigan bar that usually draws a decent crowd for games.  1/2 mile due east of the UC on Madison.  They usually have a free shuttle to/from events at the UC, but you might want to check to be sure that will be available for all sessions.

- Kaiser Tiger has a solid beer selection and is known for doing great things with pig meat

- The Ogden is very close with a pretty big (but not necessarily amazing) beer list.

- Billy Goat Tavern is an old school place with famous, but only decent, burgers.

- There are also several taprooms, including the new Goose Island taproom, just NE of the stadium.

If you are just asking about Chicago in general, I wouldn't even know where to begin.

Brown Bear

March 14th, 2019 at 11:17 PM ^

The Ogden is terrible.  Overpriced, terrible service.  Exists solely off of tourist schlubs who go there because the UC is close to it.  Avoid at all costs.  

Kaiser Tiger is ok for beer but their food is meh and they’re aren’t that well versed in the pork food.  Another place that thrives off UC distance.  If picking between these two then kaiser is way to go.  But lots of options in the west loop.  

mgoblue78

March 14th, 2019 at 10:10 PM ^

Sadly, my favorite hangout near the United Center, Carmichael's Steak House, at Monroe and Aberdeen, was knocked down for condos a few years ago. I got no alternatives that measure up, though there are a number of perfectly adequate sports bars on Madison around 1200 W.

RedRum

March 14th, 2019 at 10:53 PM ^

You are correct. Bars are the spot to get drinks. It doesn’t have to be at night though. I imagine 10 is an open time for most bars. 

viachicago

March 14th, 2019 at 11:14 PM ^

Parlor will have the best crowd in the West Loop.  West End has become a ghost town but will be more crowded this weekend.  Also, on Saturday most bars will be packed early due to the parade.

Michigan4Harbaugh

March 14th, 2019 at 11:34 PM ^

McGaffigan's is a pretty chill spot on the corner of Ridge and Main. Ice hot beverages, and blazing cold food. Unreal on days that are 24 hours in duration. I've long missed the harpsichordist who's unfortunate exlax dinner mishap really ruined his career.

Roanman

March 15th, 2019 at 6:45 AM ^

If you're planning on watching at a bar and are near Old Town or the North Side, Old Town Pour House on Wells ... I think, is a good choice.

Then walk down to Butch McGuire's on and Division if you want to hang out with the locals. Butch was a Wolverine, a way deep bench player on the football team in the middle 50's, got a degree from the School of Art and Architecture, went home and opened a bar. His son runs it now. There is only one TV and it's away from the bar. Still, it's a must. I can't remember the last time I was in Chicago and didn't stop at Butch's.